New CEO announced for IOH

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has announced the appointment of Robert Richardson FIH as its new chief executive, effective 19 April 2021.

Richardson succeeds Peter Ducker FIH at the helm of the international professional body for current and aspiring hospitality leaders and managers.

In his previous role as general manager of the Cave Hotel in Kent and, before that, general manager of The Grand in Folkestone, Richardson supported the IoH as an active member of its supervisory board. In September 2020, he was elevated to the role of IoH vice chairman. 

As incoming CEO, Richardson is expected to build on the legacy of Ducker’s eight years as chief executive. He will be working closely with IoH chair Kellie Rixon MBE FIH to lead and shape the role of the institute as it seeks to adapt to a post-pandemic world and aspires to chartered status.

"As hospitality returns to the forefront of our economy and our daily lives after a year of unprecedented disruption and challenge, there has never been a more important time for our industry to cultivate strong leadership and management skills," he says. 

"We also need to attract and inspire future generations of talent, and I believe the IoH is perfectly placed to help support this. It is a huge honour to step up and lead our institute moving forward into a brave new post-lockdown world."